What do people want when they shop for a new car? They'd like a machine that's easy on their eyes. And they want one that's in their price range. But to many people, reliability is a top concern, if not the top concern. For a long time, Japanese carmakers such as Toyota
Consumer Reports magazine has just surprised many people by parking the Buick Regal, made by General Motors
Ford Motor Company
Other models earning recommendations include Ford's Lincoln LS, and GM's Buick Park Avenue, Buick Rendezvous, and Saturn L300.
In a CBS MarketWatch
The overall picture remains mixed, though, with many domestic makes still rated poorly and many imported vehicles (such as Audis, Jaguars, and Land Rovers) also below average in reliability. DaimlerChrysler's
Investors interested in automotive companies and their stocks should keep an eye on reliability trends, as highly rated carmakers are likely to get boosts in sales. Check out Consumer Reports'New Car Preview 2004 issue for more information, and see what Fools are saying about various auto companies on our acclaimed discussion boards.
Also check out past articles on carmakers: GM's Pension Peril, Ford to Cut 12,000, Automakers Downshift, and Buying Japanese.
Ford, General Motors, and DaimlerChrysler shares sport 3.2%, 4.6%, and 4.2% dividend yields, respectively. Are they as smart as other high-yield options? Find out by reading Mathew Emmert's Motley Fool Income Investor -- one of ourstock-recommendation newsletters.